The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Odododiodio Constituency engaged in a heated exchange, each accusing the other of being responsible for the stalled Salaga Market renovation project.
The Salaga Market, whose name has been corrupted to Slaha Market, is one of Ghana'a traditional markets in the Greater Accra Region, close to the James Town Fishing harbour.
The market, according to the market women was relocated during the tenure of the late president Jerry John Rawlings with a promise to construct a modern structure for them.
However, for over 30 years, the market has since not been completed.
The Community Forum on Channel One TV, which brought together political representatives, market women, and community members, of the Salaga (Slaha) Market, highlighted the frustrations of traders who have been displaced for years, awaiting the completion of the market's redevelopment.
During the forum, representatives of the NPP and NDC accused each other of being responsible for the delay.
The NPP claimed that the project had been mismanaged under the previous NDC administration, while the NDC argued that the NPP had failed to prioritise the market's completion since coming into power.
A marketwoman in the area, who was part of those relocated temporarily for the market's renovation, expressed disappointment over the seven-year delay in completing the project. "As we sit here this morning, it is as though we are sitting at a political event.
But these are our heartfelt concerns.
It's been over 30 years since our mothers were relocated from Slaha by Rawlings.
He didn't complete the market structure and he left.
Kuffuor also came, Atta Mills and Mahama also came and nothing changed. "Today, we have another president, Nana Akufo-Addo.
They are almost through with their tenure and we are here playing politics with our concerns, this is not about politics. "NPP has been in power for almost eight years and it's left with three months.
If they cast concrete today, it will take over 21 days to harden up.
They have been building this market since.
Even if they complete it, it will be taken over by weed smokers," she lamented. 'No leader finishes what they start! 🔄 We're not here for politics, but our well-being!
There's nothing tangible to show for our situation at Salaga Market, Accra.
We need change!' - Aunty Theresa's scathing, passionate submission on #CommunityForum on #ChannelOneTV… pic.twitter.com/b46GlRdkDM - ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) September 12, 2024 '7 years of broken promises!
Our market remains unfinished, hidden from buyers, and our businesses are suffering' 💔 - A frustrated citizen at the Salaga Market, Accra speaks out on #ChannelOneTV's #CommunityForum with Philip Nii Lartey. #GhanaPolls2024 #CitiVerify… pic.twitter.com/899us0tqww - ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) September 12, 2024